The Vice Chancellor of Gwanda State University, Professor D.Z Moyo, joined leading policymakers, academics and industry experts at the 2026 Women in Science, Technology and Innovation (WiSTI) Conference held in Harare, as Zimbabwe continues to intensify efforts to empower women in STEM fields.
The three-day conference, held from March 18 to 20 at the Harare International Conference Centre, brought together stakeholders from across the science, technology and innovation ecosystem to promote gender inclusion, collaboration and leadership among women.
Running as part of broader national and global efforts to close gender gaps in STEM, the WiSTI Conference serves as a platform for dialogue, mentorship and policy engagement, with a strong focus on equipping women and young girls to participate meaningfully in scientific and technological development.
Discussions at the conference centred on increasing women’s participation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics and biotechnology, while also addressing persistent barriers including limited access to resources, gender stereotypes and underrepresentation in leadership roles.
The event also emphasised the importance of mentorship, networking and collaboration, creating opportunities for young women to interact with established professionals and industry leaders, while strengthening partnerships between academia, industry and government.
Key sessions included high-level panel discussions, technical presentations and exhibitions showcasing innovations led by women, reinforcing the role of science and technology as drivers of sustainable development and economic transformation.
Professor Moyo’s participation underscores Gwanda State University’s commitment to advancing gender inclusivity and innovation within higher education, while aligning with national development priorities that seek to position science and technology at the centre of Zimbabwe’s growth agenda.
The conference further highlighted the critical role of universities in nurturing the next generation of female scientists, engineers and innovators, with institutions expected to play a leading role in expanding access, strengthening research capacity and supporting women-led innovation.
As Zimbabwe moves towards a knowledge-based economy, platforms such as the WiSTI Conference continue to provide a strategic space for shaping policies, fostering collaboration and accelerating the participation of women in science, innovation and technology.
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